Dobb fighting for GP fitness.

Factory KTM Motocross GP star Jamie Dobb is battling to get over a broken foot in time for the first GP of the new look world championships in Spain a mere three weeks from now.

The 31-year old top British rider has been diagnosed with a broken navicular bone in his right foot, incurred while competing at the first round of the KWS British International Motocross series as Matchams Park two weeks ago. After smashing his boot against a brick, the 2001 125cc world champion then tried to ride at the Hawkstone Park International one week later with a swollen ankle believed to be just severe bruising. A limited performance forced Dobb to seek further medical advice, upon which an X-ray confirmed the fracture, meaning that he has had to rest and alter his training accordingly.

The opening GP of 2003 at Bellpuig, on 30 March, was initially believed to be too soon for an injury of this type to have healed, but Dobb is not only hoping to compete at a circuit where he has won twice in the last three years, but also make another round of the KWS competition at Donington Park the weekend before.

"This is bad news but, looking on the positive side, I have had two weeks getting over the break already," he said, "So, while time isn't really a friend, it is still on my side. The X-ray revealed the fracture, but also showed where the bone is starting to knit. I have an inflatable boot around the foot instead of a cast, so I can get around. I will be training my upper body and can still cycle, although swimming will now become my main activity.

"It is too early to say when and where I will be able to race - it depends entirely on the time it takes to recover. I was thinking about possibly missing Bellpuig and coming back in Valkenswaard for the second round at 100 per cent and raring to go, but I estimate being okay to ride [in Spain] and trying to take as many points as possible for the Championship. Spain is a circuit that I really like and the ideal scenario is that I will be able to be able to get on the bike in two weeks time at Donington. We will have to wait and see."